Enclosure (2) to COMDTINST 1734.1
e.
Ensure substance abuse follow-up and support, especially where alcoholism is a
contributing factor.
5.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
a.
Promulgate SOP (see encl: (1) for a sample) to handle suicide situations (gestures,
attempts or ideations), including procedures for after-hour emergencies. Require post-
suicide incident command awareness and reinforcement efforts in follow-up
procedures.
b.
Use checklists for phone contacts, similar to those used for bomb alerts. Phone
answerers should understand what information to solicit, including:
(1) Caller's name, location, and phone number. (If caller is reporting his or her own
actions, note impressions of coherence, emotional state, etc.).
(2) victim's name and description (sex, approximate age, etc.), if other than caller.
(3) Description of incident, including medical situation, help currently available and
help required.
c.
Give watchstanders and duty personnel clear guidelines for handling telephone calls
and referring situations for action. (For example, family members and retirees
normally should be taken to a civilian hospital if military hospital lacks authority to
require admission).
d.
Use Coast Guard Personnel reporting policies (COMDTINST M1000.6A, Chapter 05,
"Casualties and Decedent Affairs"), as minimum requirements. Include as much
amplifying data as possible on contributing factors. Share lessons learned or discuss
scenarios with appropriate individuals in the chain of command.
e.
Screen documents and records of reporting personnel to identify high risks. Establish
preventive contact proactively.
f.
Above all, handle gestures and attempts as medical emergencies. Take personnel to
emergency rooms (clinics) for medical evaluation. Never allow an individual to go
alone.
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